Narcotics

Narcotics

Narcotics are also known as “opioids”

Narcotics Anonymous wordmark

Etiology

the term “narcotic” comes from the Greek word for “stupor” and originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain.

What are narcotics and opiods?

Though some people still refer to all drugs as “narcotics,” today “narcotic” refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. A more current term for these drugs, with less uncertainty regarding its meaning, is “opioid.”

Morphine synthesis

Examples of narcotics

Examples of narcotics include the illicit drug heroin and pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl. In the loose sense, narcotics is often used to refer to any addictive substance.

Mechanism of action

Narcotics induce narcosis or a state of sleep. Narcotics include agents that cause somnolence or induced sleep (STUPOR); natural or synthetic derivatives of OPIUM or MORPHINE or any substance that has such effects. They are potent inducers of analgesia. Narcotics work by binding to receptors in the brain, which blocks the feeling of pain.

How are narcotics made?

The poppy seed Papaver somniferum is the source for all natural opioids, whereas synthetic opioids are made entirely in a lab and include meperidine, fentanyl, and methadone. Semi-synthetic opioids are synthesized from naturally occurring opium products, such as morphine and codeine, and include heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.

Narcotic addiction

Habit forming

Many of the narcotic drugs can be abused and habit-forming.

Taking narcotics to control the pain of cancer or other medical problems does not itself lead to dependence.

Store narcotics safely and securely in your home.

You may need a pain specialist to help you manage long-term pain.

Side effects

• Drowsiness and impaired judgment often occur with these medicines. When taking a narcotic, do not drink alcohol, drive, or operate heavy machinery
• You can relieve itching by reducing the dose or talking to your provider about switching medicines.
• To help with constipation, drink more fluids, get more exercise, eat foods with extra fiber, and use stool softeners.
• If nausea or vomiting occur, try taking the narcotic with food.

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are common when you stop taking a narcotic. Symptoms include strong desire for the medicine called craving, yawning, insomnia, restlessness, mood swings, or diarrhea. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, your provider may recommend you gradually lower the dosage over time.

Overdose risk

Opioid overdose is a major risk if you take a narcotic drug for a long time. Before you are prescribed a narcotic, your provider may first do the following:

• Screen you to see if you are at risk for or already have an opioid use problem.
• Teach you and your family how to respond if you have an overdose. You may be prescribed and instructed how to use a drug called naloxone in case you have an overdose of your narcotic drug.

Support groups

For those that have an issue with addiction or habituation with narcotics, non-profit organizations such as narcotics anonymous can help.

Drug Category Names, Results, and Descriptions

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Comprehensive list of medications or pharmaceutical drugs used in the United States with their NDC or national drug code, brand name, dosage, forms of administration etc. sorted alphabetically.

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• Dictionary of drugs
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• List of FDA approved drugs
• List of drugs A-Z - sorted in multipage format
• Drug categories
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• Habit forming drugs

External links

The following is the collection of detailed information and links to the National Institute of Health (NIH) comprehensive drug information portal and other reliable sources of information. Select the drug name below to show drug description, drug classification, other common drug names, and information on the reasons why prescribed, how medication should be used, and what possible side effects could occur.

Drug names

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Search for other drug names not listed above

• Dailymed label info on Narcotics
• FDA Narcotics

Narcotics Resources
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